The Episcopal/Anglican Church in Jones County Welcomes You

Notes From Patmos

During much of this Eastertide, the Church’s Sunday readings have been focused on the nature and meaning of love. We have been reading much of our Patron, Saint John’s first epistle, wherein he shares and defines the nature and substance of a holy and godly love. We have also spent time, and will continue, in the farewell discourse of Jesus in the Gospel of Saint John, where Jesus speaks to His closest friends about matters of love. It has been abundantly clear these past weeks that the love we have and the love we give emanates from God Almighty, and if we are to share in that love, we must abide in Christ through prayer and worship- the places where God’s love flows freely. The other thing of note is that true love is shown and lived in sacrifice and deed- the measure of our love is shown in giving of ourselves to others and in acts of love and kindness.
What we have been reading in the Liturgies of the Church and what we learn of love in the world stand in stark contrast to each other much of the time. God’s love is about giving of self and loving in ‘deed and in truth.’ The love the world promotes has the self at the center and not God… love is often measured in how something makes the individual feel… or in what the individual gains.
I hope and pray we all, myself included, are paying very close attention to the scripture readings during the Easter season, for our understanding of love stands at the center of our lives, and all of our actions emanate from that understanding of love.
The question all of this talk of love forces upon us during this Eastertide is this- If we look at our lives, does the love present in our actions look like the love John and our Lord describe and show forth or does it look like that which the world proclaims and promotes? Let us work to the end that we possess the love of God in our lives and in our actions that we may go before the throne of Judgment boldly and joyfully.
In Christ our Lord,
Jeff+

The Altar Guild is comprised of a group of individual who are in the service of the Altar and who serve at the pleasure of the priest. The “normal” care and replacement of altar items are included in our annual budget each year. Yet, there are special “extras” that may not be in the budget and as a group the Altar Guild would love to be able to provide for the church in special ways.
With this in mind, The Altar Guild is selling stainless steel tumblers as a fund-raiser. These high quality mugs are perfect for outdoor activities and travel. Color engraved with Saint John’s Episcopal Church, the Episcopal flag and Laurel, Mississippi they are selling for $25.00 each. Contact any of the Altar Guild members or the church office while supplies last. Supply is limited.
Make checks payable to: SAINT JOHN’S ALTAR GUILD

Help Needed

We have been asked to help a young man, in his early 20’s, currently residing at Pine Grove Group home (across from the Laurel Fairgrounds) requesting a ride to church each Sunday. He is a life long Episcopalian desiring to attend St. John’s. He loves church but has no way to get here. If you are interested in helping provide transportation to this young man, please call the office for more information.

The Altar Flower Chart for 2018 is on the board in the Sacristy hallway and we need the faithful to sign up to take a Sunday in memory or thanksgiving of someone or an event. If you are unable to come to the parish to sign up, you are more than welcome to call the parish office with a date you would like and we will try our best to accommodate you. When a person takes a Sunday, they contact the parish to make known their thanksgiving/memorial wording for the Sunday bulletin. Mr. Randy Jackson of Flowertyme is a communicant, but you may choose which florist you would like to deal with, or you can make the arrangement yourself and place them in the sanctuary.

Honduras Medical Mission

Important information about the 2019 Honduras Medical Mission:

First, applications are available for the 2019 Honduras Medical Mission and can be found on the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi website: http://www.dioms.org/Ministries/honduras.html

There are a few important dates to remember:
* The dates for the 2019 mission will be Saturday, February 9-Saturday, 16, 2019.
* Deadline for submitting applications is July 15, 2018.
* The team will be chosen and applicants notified in August 2018.
* There is a mandatory overnight team retreat at Gray Center Friday evening January 11, 2019, until Saturday before lunch January 12, 2019.

Individuals must pay their own team fees of $1500. The first $750 must be paid by September 15, 2018, with the remainder due December 15, 2018.

Anyone may apply – we always have a need for medical professionals including doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, veterinarians, dentists, dental hygienists, optometrists, and pharmacists. There are also openings for general support for which no prior training is necessary! We always need Spanish-speaking applicants, but there are translators present for those who don’t speak Spanish. So please – encourage your parishioners to apply, regardless of their background!

Second, if you have individuals who do not wish to travel, but who want to support the mission, there are two ways for them to do so:

1. Word of Mouth: Almost everyone knows a medical professional or someone who loves to help others and travel! Encourage them to apply.

2. Financial Donations: While team members pay for their own expenses, the mission does fundraising to raise the money to purchase medicines, supplies, and tools needed to serve the team. We also offer small grants to the community for infrastructure, economic, and educational improvements. Any support of these activities – either by individuals, vestries, or servant ministry groups is welcome. Donations may be sent to the
Honduras Medical Mission c/o Sandra Perkins
P. O. Box 2006 Tupelo, MS 38804.

If you, or your parish, have questions about the mission, feel free to contact me at any time.

Start clipping BOX TOPS for Education! Hundreds of products participate in the program, and you probably already have several in your pantry, freezer and refrigerator. For every Box Top you clip, St. John’s Day School will receive 10 cents!!! That may not sound like a lot, but it adds up quickly. There are no limitations on the money’s use, so St. John’s can spend it as needed.
Grab your scissors and keep an eye out for the Box Tops for Education logo on the products you use every day. Once you have finished the product, clip the Box Top before you throw it away. Be sure to look over the whole box. There is a container labeled for your Box Tops on the table in the hallway.

O God, our heavenly Father, make the door of this Church wide enough that all who need human love and fellowship and a Fathers care may find it, and narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and uncharitableness. Here may the tempted find help, and the sorrowing receive comfort. Here may the careless be awakened to repentance, and the penitent be assured of your mercy. And here may all your children renew their strength in You, and go on their way rejoicing. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.